Understanding the Key Differences
They're both from Hawaii, but they're completely different languages with unique histories and purposes.
Hawaiian Pidgin (Hawaiian Creole English) is a creole language that developed on Hawaii's plantations in the 1800s-1900s. It's based primarily on English with influences from Hawaiian, Japanese, Portuguese, Filipino, Chinese, and other languages.
The Hawaiian Language (ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi) is the indigenous Polynesian language of Native Hawaiians, dating back over 1,000 years. It's a distinct language with its own grammar, vocabulary, and cultural significance.
They are NOT the same! 🌺
(Hawaiian Creole English)
1800s-1900s (plantation era)
English-based creole
~600,000 (most locals)
"Howzit, brah!"
(How are you, friend!)
Casual daily conversation among locals
Uses English alphabet; no standardized spelling
(ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi)
1000+ years ago (Polynesian settlement)
Austronesian > Polynesian
~24,000 (revitalization efforts)
"Aloha kākou!"
(Hello everyone!)
Cultural practices, education, official contexts
Uses 13 letters (5 vowels, 8 consonants) + ʻokina
Based on English grammar with simplified structures:
Completely different Polynesian grammar:
Represents Hawaii's multicultural identity. It's the language of local solidarity, connecting people from all ethnic backgrounds. Speaking Pidgin signals you're "local" and understand the shared culture of modern Hawaii.
The sacred language of Native Hawaiian culture, carrying traditional knowledge, chants, and spiritual practices. It's central to Hawaiian identity and is being actively revitalized after near-extinction due to colonization.
Learned naturally by growing up in Hawaii. Used daily in casual conversation, at work among locals, with friends and family. Not typically taught formally in schools.
Visitors: Learn a few key phrases to connect with locals, but don't try to force it—it can come across as inauthentic.
Taught in immersion schools (Pūnana Leo) and university programs. Used in cultural practices, hula, chants, and formal Hawaiian contexts. Growing number of native speakers through revitalization efforts.
Visitors: Learning Hawaiian words shows respect for Native Hawaiian culture—"aloha," "mahalo," and place names are encouraged.
Hawaiian language. These are authentic Hawaiian words that are also used in Pidgin and standard English in Hawaii. They've been adopted universally, but they originate from the Hawaiian language.
Hawaiian Pidgin. These are quintessential Pidgin expressions. They're not Hawaiian language, even though they're used in Hawaii.
Learn Hawaiian words. As a visitor, it's respectful to learn basic Hawaiian (aloha, mahalo, place name pronunciations). Don't try to speak Pidgin—it's a local identity marker, and forcing it can be offensive. Locals will appreciate you respecting the Hawaiian language instead.
No! Linguists recognize Hawaiian Pidgin as a legitimate creole language with its own grammar rules and structure. It's not "broken" English—it's a distinct language that evolved naturally. Dismissing it as "bad English" is linguistically inaccurate and culturally insensitive.
| English | Hawaiian Pidgin | Hawaiian Language |
|---|---|---|
| Hello! | Howzit! | Aloha! |
| Thank you | Tanks | Mahalo |
| I'm going to the beach | I going beach | E hele ana au i ke kahakai |
| That's delicious! | Dass ono! | ʻOno loa! |
| Where are you going? | Wea you going? | ʻAuhea ʻoe e hele ana? |
Explore our comprehensive dictionary with 600+ Pidgin words, phrases, and examples.
Browse Pidgin DictionaryWe recommend visiting Hawaiian language learning resources and immersion programs.
Hawaiian Resources →